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The nose is such a distinctive part of our face. As we get older, we either appreciate it for what it is or we wish it looked different somehow. For those of us in the latter category, one option is to change the look of the nose and face through facial plastic surgery, or reconstruction of the nose. With rhinoplasty surgery, the object is to reshape the nose to better fit in with the proportions of the rest of the face. This may include altering the nose by size, angle, curves, or proportion. Oftentimes, this procedure addresses the nostril and the nasal tip.
Some common complaints that are addressed during surgery include a bump on the nose, a large or bulbous tip, a crooked nose, a droopy tip, and wide or flaring nostrils.
Candidates for Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a type of facial plastic surgery procedure in which the cosmetic appearance of the nose is changed. Candidates for nose surgery include healthy individuals who are looking to improve a dorsal hump, large tip or nose, crooked nose, broken nose, droopy tip, or wide nose. Dr. Choe often performs septoplasty at the same time as nose surgery to improve breathing. In addition, this procedure is sometimes paired with chin augmentation to improve facial balance. Dr. Choe will perform an examination and ask you about your medical history to help determine your candidacy for rhinoplasty during your consultation.
About Rhinoplasty
Dr. Kyle Choe performs nasal surgery at The Choe Center’s AAAHC-accredited in-office surgery center located in Virginia Beach, VA. IV sedation is used and surgical times average three to five hours. The incisions are commonly located on the columella (the column of skin between the nostrils) and inside of the nose. Once the incisions have been made, the skin overlying the nasal cartilage and bone is lifted and a bump, if present, is rasped and cartilage work is performed through conservative removal, reshaping, or addition as needed. If necessary, Dr. Choe will perform a septoplasty at the same time to improve breathing.
This procedure offers several distinct advantages:
Surgery brings your nose in proportion to the rest of your face.
In some instances, it can help you breathe better.
Surgery improves your profile and your self-esteem.
Because this procedure is a permanent alteration of the nose, it can take up to one year or more for a surgeon to be able to gauge the success of the procedure. As time passes following the surgery, the cartilage in the nose will reshape itself. This will cause movement in the nasal tissues and result in an altered appearance. The patient must be prepared for the noticeable change in appearance that surgery will often cause.
Just as with any surgery, rhinoplasty does carry some risks. These include infection and bleeding. Reaction to medication may occur, as well as adverse reactions to anesthesia. Some of the more unique risks of this procedure include burst blood vessels. These can cause redness on the nose, as well as minor scarring under the nose. Hematomas can occur, which require a second surgery to remove. Septal perforation, which is a small hole located in the septum, is another risk unique to this procedure. Should this occur, it can cause a whistling sound to occur during singing or speaking.
Dr. Choe is incredible. He did my rhinoplasty and it’s only been a week but I’m SO Happy with my results!!!! Highly recommend him.
Anonymous
Rhinoplasty Recovery
The rhinoplasty recovery process takes approximately three to four weeks before patients can expect a return to full activity. However, light activity can typically be resumed after one week. Stitches are removed after three days and the cast after one week. Depending on the type of work and the level of activity required, patients are generally able to return to work within one to three weeks. Exercise and more strenuous activity can be resumed after three to four weeks. Some degree of swelling and bruising can be expected, with the majority of noticeable swelling fading after two weeks.
Of course, the best way to recover quickly from nasal surgery is to be in as good of health as possible before the procedure is performed. The healthier a patient is, the easier their recovery will be from all types of surgery, including rhinoplasty. Following all of the instructions provided to you by your surgeon for pre and post-procedure is another great way to minimize your risk of complications and enjoy a fast recovery from your surgery.
Nose surgery is one of the more common cosmetic facial plastic surgery procedures performed by Dr. Choe. He is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with a background in Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery training. A significant number of his nasal surgery cases involve revision work for correcting the results of poorly performed “nose jobs” by other surgeons.
Dr. Kyle Choe is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery on the face and neck. He’ll gladly answer any questions you have about rhinoplasty and guide you throughout the entire process from beginning to end. If you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule your consultation today.
No. During your surgery, you will be asleep and you will not hear, see or feel anything.
The time varies with each patient depending on the changes necessary. In addition, some patients choose to combine their nose surgery with other procedures, such as chin augmentation. In general, however, you can expect your surgery to take between three and five hours to complete
The majority of our patients use the word “discomfort” more than pain to describe their procedure. However, as with any cosmetic surgery procedure, or any surgery for that matter, there is always some discomfort but this is easily managed with oral pain medication.
Depending upon the nature of your work, you should be able to return to work within one to three weeks following your surgery. Work that is more physical in nature will require a longer recovery time.
As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, there will be some swelling and bruising during your recovery. After nasal surgery, swelling and bruising should peak after one or two weeks, but residual swelling is common for up to one year. We try to minimize this by having you take Arnica (a naturopathic herb that helps prevent bruising) and by using cold packs and elevating the head.
When seeking a nose doctor, it’s important that you find an experienced, qualified facial plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery. Viewing the surgeon’s before and after photographs of previous patients can also help to give you an idea of their skill.
While this depends largely on the needs of the particular patient, at The Choe Center in Virginia Beach, VA, this procedure can vary from $5,000 to $15,000 (including anesthesia fees). However, the cost of a revision rhinoplasty can be greater, costing up to $25,000.
Potential risks or complications associated with nose surgery may include bleeding, infection, and asymmetry. You can minimize your risk of complications by selection a qualified and experienced nose doctor to perform your surgery.
